An authentic Daiquiri cocktail

Created on an island rich in sugar, rum and limes, and named for a local port, the Daiquiri is a quintessentially Cuban cocktail. A connoisseur favourite, the classic Daiquiri blends overproof white rum, lime juice, and sugar.

But don’t let this simple ingredient list mislead you. It takes considerable cocktail craftsmanship to create the delicate, three-way taste balance of sweet, sour and spirit. Using the wrong colour sugar is enough to throw this balance off, while a rum that’s too weak will blunt the characteristic Daiquiri hit. And don’t even think of using syrup as a quick sweetener substitute – its slick texture will overwhelm the drink. Instead, try this authentic Cuban recipe.